December 16, 2020 DO NOT LOSE HEART
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 “Therefore we do not lose heart, but thought our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things that are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
If our focus is on the temporal-the things that are seen-we will surely be disappointed, and experiencing happiness will be like a roller coaster ride with a series of ups and downs. With our physical eyes, we see the temporal-the things that will pass away. We ‘see’ a lot; we see wars, sickness, addictions, strife, brokenness, and we see some things we would call good. One harsh reality that is common to all (perhaps not yet recognized by the younger folks) is that our physical bodies are decaying-that fact alone can cause us to lose heart. The obvious message is that being primarily focuses on the temporal is a no-win situation. A starting place for us to become overcomers is to accept the fact that we will encounter difficulties in life and that our physical bodies are decaying. (Just to clarify-it is good to take care of our physical bodies, to eat properly, exercise, etc.-we are the temple of the Holy Spirit.) The good news is that in spite of all the difficulties, God has made a way for us not to lose heart. It is key for us to view our afflictions and difficulties as temporary or momentary. There are many things to ‘look at’ that are not seen with our physical eyes. That is what Paul and other writers on the New Testament were doing. In fact, our affliction actually works for our good-“producing an eternal weight of glory.” We can see with our spiritual eyesight, the goodness and mercy of God at work; the strength that God gives; we can see the truth of the scriptures; we can see things working for good for those who love Him; we can see the promises of the salvation yet to be revealed; we can see hope; we can see forgiveness in action; we can see the love of God being expressed. Indeed, the things that are not seen are for more important than the things that are seen. That is a vital truth we must embrace and act on. Let us examine what we are focused on, and if need be, make a correction and set our sights on what is not seen-the eternal things of God. No matter the circumstances, we can live without losing heart.
Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
Colossians 3:1-2 “If then you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on the things that are on the earth.”
John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
Blessings,
Buddy
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